Woman Accused of Killing Toddler in Court Case

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A Kansas agency says it was “reprehensible” for one of its former social workers to refuse to act on behalf of a toddler who was later beaten to death.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families commented Friday, one day after a federal judge ruled that Linda Gillen was entitled to immunity in a lawsuit by the girl’s grandparents.

Twenty-three-month-old Brooklyn Coons, of Coffeyville, died in 2008. Her father’s girlfriend is serving life in prison for her death.

Brooklyn’s grandparents contend Gillen refused to investigate their reports that the toddler was being abused.

The judge ruled for Gillen despite calling her actions unprofessional and “sadly, fairly consistent” with other cases in his court involving the Kansas agency. The agency contends the court has not advised it of any similar, recent cases.